A freight train transporting approximately 200,000 litres of sulfuric acid derailed around 10.20am this morning approximately 20kms east of Julia Creek.

Police have declared an emergent situation under the Public Safety Preservation Act to assist emergency services manage the scene, which includes minor leakage of sulfuric acid and spillage of diesel fuel.

The emergency declaration, which was enacted at 11.35am, covers a two kilometre exclusion zone around the crash site.

The Flinders Highway is closed in both directions between Julia Creek and Richmond.

The locomotion is on its side and all 26 carriages have derailed. It is believed the three men on the train sustained minor injuries and have been transported to hospital.

It is anticipated that the exclusion zone will be in place until at least late this afternoon.

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.